Getting Vaccinations in Korea: A Foreigner’s Complete Guide
※ This article is based on official information as of August 18, 2025.
Summary at a Glance
Getting vaccinations in Korea is straightforward for foreigners, whether you live in Seoul or a smaller city. Korea offers a well-structured national immunization program, accessible clinics, affordable costs, and multilingual support in many regions. From children’s shots to adult boosters and travel vaccines, you can book appointments at community health centers, public hospitals, or private clinics.
Eligibility & Conditions
In Korea, vaccinations are not only for citizens but also open to foreigners — both residents and visitors.
- Residents with Alien Registration Card (ARC):
- Eligible for most national immunization programs at reduced cost or free.
- Children and seniors often get specific vaccines free of charge under the National Immunization Program (NIP).
- Short-term Visitors or Tourists:
- Can receive vaccinations but may need to pay full price at private clinics.
- Recommended to bring your passport for identification.
- Health Insurance Impact:
- If you have National Health Insurance (NHI), many vaccines are either free or heavily discounted.
- Without NHI, you’ll pay the private cost, which is still generally lower than in the US or Europe.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
1. Identify Which Vaccines You Need
- Children: DTaP, polio, MMR, hepatitis B, and more under NIP.
- Adults: Influenza (flu shot), tetanus booster, COVID-19, shingles, HPV (for women), etc.
- Travelers: Yellow fever, typhoid, or Japanese encephalitis if traveling to specific regions.
2. Find a Vaccination Center
- Community Health Centers (보건소, Bogunso): Cheapest, often free for residents.
- General Hospitals (종합병원): Wide range, sometimes more expensive.
- Private Clinics (의원): Flexible scheduling, English services in foreigner-heavy areas like Itaewon or Gangnam.
3. Make an Appointment
- Most centers require an appointment.
- Some health centers allow online booking (Government 24 portal: www.gov.kr).
- Larger hospitals often have English-language call centers.
4. Bring Identification
- ARC card or passport.
- Health insurance card if applicable.
5. After Vaccination
- You’ll receive a vaccination certificate (예방접종증명서).
- This can be used for schools, workplaces, or international travel.
- Certificates are available in English upon request.
Real-life Case Example
Case: Maria from Spain, living in Seoul
Maria moved to Korea with her two children in 2024. When her kids needed booster shots, she visited her local Gangnam-gu Health Center. She showed her ARC cards, and the staff guided her in English. The children received MMR and hepatitis B shots free of charge under the NIP. Later, Maria herself got the flu shot at a private clinic for about 30,000 KRW ($22).
This real-life example shows how both kids and adults can smoothly access vaccinations in Korea at affordable costs.
Regional Differences (Seoul vs Other Regions)
- Seoul & Busan:
- Many international clinics with English, Chinese, Japanese support.
- Shorter wait times if booked online.
- Smaller Cities (e.g., Gyeongju, Jeonju):
- Fewer English-speaking staff.
- Often need a local friend to help with booking.
- Costs are slightly lower in rural health centers.
- Jeju Island:
- Popular with expats and tourists.
- Several private clinics near Jeju City provide English vaccination certificates for travelers.
Costs of Vaccinations in Korea
| Vaccine Type | Typical Cost (with NHI) | Cost without NHI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flu (Influenza) | 0–20,000 KRW ($0–15) | 30,000 KRW ($22) | Free for seniors 65+ |
| COVID-19 booster | Free | Free | Nationally funded |
| Tetanus booster (Tdap) | 10,000–20,000 KRW | 20,000–40,000 KRW | |
| HPV vaccine (3 doses) | Free for girls aged 12–17 | 180,000 KRW/shot | Popular among expats |
| Yellow fever | 70,000–90,000 KRW | Same | Only at designated centers |
※ Source: MOHW Korea (as of August 18, 2025)
FAQ
Q1. Can foreigners get vaccinations in Korea without health insurance?
Yes, but you’ll pay private clinic prices. Still, it’s cheaper than many Western countries.
Q2. Is the vaccination certificate valid internationally?
Yes. You can request English certificates, and they are widely accepted abroad.
Q3. Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
In Seoul, many clinics allow walk-ins for flu shots. For travel vaccines like yellow fever, an appointment is required.
Official Application Links
- Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA): https://www.kdca.go.kr
- Government 24 (Online Certificate/Booking): https://www.gov.kr
A Last Line to Keep in Mind
Getting your vaccinations in Korea is not a hassle but rather a sign of how Korea values public health. Whether you are a long-term resident or just visiting, you can protect yourself and your loved ones with reliable, affordable, and accessible vaccines.
One Thing Worth Sharing
“If you know any foreign friends in Korea, share this guide — it might save them a lot of confusion and stress about healthcare.”
Spanish 
English